After browsing through the products that have made there debut at CES 2006, I have come across a few that I think are going to face an uphill battle in the marketplace.
ExerStation and GameRunner: Working out isn’t exactly a top priority among many of the gamers out there, especially when the exercise isn’t “disguised.” It’s kind of like hiding medicine in someone’s food, you can stomach it when you don’t know it’s there. Dance Dance Revolution would be a good example of this principle.
The D-Box Motion Simulator: Despite winning a “best of innovations award” at CES, I feel that there isn’t going to be much of a market for actuators underneath your home seating. Here is how it works:
“Motion simulators uses a two or four point suspension system to lift and move your seating in perfect synchronization with the onscreen action and sound (up to 5/8 of an inch), creating a virtual-reality experience in your living room or home theater. You’re literally drawn into the action as never before, experiencing the same motional forces as the actors and players you’re watching.”
The movies are pre-programed into a controller that controls four actuators underneath your seat. According to a video available on the site, there are currently 200 movies available for the D-Box with 8 being added every month. They also mention that the D Box will add to the dramatic effect of non-action oriented movies. I mean, how much can a vibrating chair enhance ‘Citizen Kane’? And how many times can you and your friends watch ‘Top Gun’? On the other hand, I can see this product standing a chance if it was geared more towards the gaming community.
ION USB Turntable: Turns your old Records into MP3 or CD in one step. Okay, if you own records you are either not tech savvy enough to want them converted to MP3 format, or you are into nostalgic records and would therefore have no desire to take the hissing out of your music.
Hello Kitty Guitar: Yeah, I know that teenage girls love Hello Kitty, but somehow I don’t think rocking and Hello Kitty really go well together. Desecrating a Fender Strat in this way should be a crime.
OtterBox iPod Nano Case: If you are ever interested in listening to your iPod while you are underwater or climbing Mt. Everest – the Otterbox is for you.
Nicohale: I’m sure a bunch of magnets will really help you quit smoking.
Ovation iXWindows Gas Pump: The folks over at Engadget are right – I already have to wait behind the guy with the H2 spending $100 on gas, the last thing I need is for him to be able to check his e-mail at the pump too.
SkullCandy Tune Ups II: Listen to your iPod underneath your helmet while skiing – that’s safe. Plus, the device connects with a cord - which will undoubtedly result in problems.
OROKR Sunglasses: These things look hideous. Oakley seriously needs to update the style of their products.
Posted by Sean
